Construct arterial roads to link coastal communities with the sea- seeks CHRAN

The Center for Human Rights & Accountability Network (CHRAN) has mooted the idea of constructing arterial roads to link coastal communities with the sea to Akwa Ibom Government.

A position paper dated Thursday, September 4, and jointly signed by Otuekong Franklyn Isong, CHRAN’s Director and Comrade (Barr.), Christopher Ekpo, the Secretary, stressed the need for the development of coastal communities through such enabling infrastructure as roads to the sea coast, building of Jetties, petroleum storage facilities particularly  tank farms, and cold rooms.

In its paper made available to Straightnews was presented to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during a Public Hearing on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), CHRAN further sought the construction of arterial roads in Uyo Capital City, most linking three to four local government areas in the state.

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According to the organisation, ‘‘The construction of these roads will enhance economic growth and propel investments in health, education, industry, real estate, tourism and hospitality, transportation, agriculture and rural development.’’

CHRAN also called on the state government to convert the abandoned Ibom Science Park project to a Five-Star Hotel with Conference Center and Golf Resort, saying this will attract tourists and generate revenue for the state.

To boost revenue generation, CHRAN urged the Akwa Ibom Government to intensify efforts at generating internal revenue and large scale agricultural production for self- sufficiency and export.

On the International Worship Center located off Udo Udoma Avenue, the body noted that it does not have any economic value and does not generate revenue, suggesting conversion of the Center to an international conference center to attract tourists and generate revenue for the State.

The Gulfstream G450 business jet, the private aircraft of the Akwa Ibom Governor with registration number N224BH did not escape the prying eyes of the organization, which it opined ‘‘It is of no economic utility to the State and its people, it should be sold off or commercialized to generate revenue for the state.’’

The Center, however, commended the State Government for producing the MTEF even when the Federal Government is yet to publish its own MTEF, from which states are supposed to draw inspiration and data for their respective MTEFs.